Britain to be lashed by 100pm hurricane

Snow is expected on north-east hills on Friday afternoon, as far south as Lincolnshire

Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell

Experts have warned of significant flooding affecting homes and roads.

Almost 250 flood alerts have now been issued by the Environment Agency.

England is facing 60mph gales, with Scotland having been battered by hurricane-force 85mph winds last night.

Many parts of the UK are suffering from flooding triggered by melting snow and worsened by heavy bouts of rain.

Yesterday saw half a month’s rain soak higher ground in Devon and south Wales, with more than 50mm recorded compared to a regional monthly average of 120mm in January.

The Met Office said the worst of the weather would be in the west and north.

Storms will hit the UK tomorrow morning, with another during Friday daytime, bringing 50mph gales and heavy rain to the south.

Meanwhile, forecasters have warned more snow is on the way.The Met Office said Friday afternoon and Saturday would see up to two inches of snow in the east Midlands, the north-east and eastern Scotland. The Weather Channel forecast four inches or more on higher ground in the Midlands, the north and Wales.

Speaking yesterday, Met Office forecaster Charlie Powell said: “The week’s stormiest con- ditions will be tonight in Scotland and Wednesday in much of the UK’s west.

“Snow is expected on north-east hills on Friday afternoon, as far south as Lincolnshire.”